Romance Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ High Fever ❯ Volume Nine, Chapter Thirty-Six: Blue Monday ( Chapter 36 )

Blue Monday

Toshiki knew what he needed to do. The trick was how. He didn't know what to say to Yumi. Would she even listen? There was only one way to see.

“Just do it,” Don said. Toshiki stood in the hallway and took a breath. Here goes. He knocked on the door.

“Yeah?” Yumi asked. Toshiki stiffened up.

“Hey. Can we talk?” he asked. There was a pause. Toshiki's stomach dropped. Momma warned him about this.

“My daughter is stubborn,” she said. “There is no changing her mind.”

“I have heard,” Toshiki said. She gave him a stern look.

“Tell me something, Toshiki,” she said. “How do you feel about Yumi?” He stared at her.

“What?” he asked.

“What happens next will depend on your answer,” she said. “Be honest. How do you feel about my daughter?” Toshiki tightened his fists.

“I care about Yumi,” he said. Momma eyed him. The veteran lifted his chin.

“I am still trying to figure out how I feel,” he said. “I do care about her. I don't want to end up hurting her again.” He dropped his head.

“I don't know what's going on, but I have to make this right,” he said. Momma didn't speak at first. Toshiki sat in place. Momma only said one thing.

“Let me tell you what you need to do,” she said.

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Yumi opened her door. Toshiki stood in the hallway with his lips pressed together.

“I'm sorry,” he said. Yumi eyed him.

“For what?” she asked. The veteran took a breath.

“I don't know how I feel about you,” he admitted. “All I know is that I am close to you. I don't know who or what you are to me. But I do care about you. Not because you might look like her. I care about you for you.” He paused as he looked her in the eye.

“What I am trying to say is I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.” He finished with a bow. Yumi stared at him.

“Okay,” she said. Toshiki looked up. Wait… Was she… smiling? His cheeks turned red.

“Yes,” he blurted out. The girl gave him an odd look.

“Hm?” she asked. Toshiki froze. Was he really going to do this? He lifted his chin.

“I will marry you,” he said. “Not right now, of course. When you're older if you want.” Yumi leaped forward and hugged him.

“Whoa, hey!” Toshiki shouted. She looked up at him.

“I love you,” Yumi said. The veteran sighed and patted her on the head.

“Yes, I know,” he said. Once again, Toshiki couldn't say it back. But it would have to do for now.

How Does it Feel to Treat Me Like You Do?